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Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Mercy Medical Center

Financial Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$36.27/hr

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Financial Counselor in our Institute ... Voluntary Benefits * Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans * Mercy's Rewards ...

Mercy Medical Center

Financial Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$36.27/hr

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Financial Counselor in our Institute ... Voluntary Benefits * Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans * Mercy's Rewards ...

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All JobsVolunteer Counselor JobsVolunteer Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Volunteer Counselor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do volunteer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counselor in Silver Spring, MD is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer counselor?

Volunteer Counselors are individuals who offer their time and skills to provide guidance, support, and counseling services without receiving monetary compensation. They typically work with organizations such as schools, nonprofits, crisis centers, or community outreach programs to help people facing emotional, social, or mental health challenges. Volunteer Counselors may assist with active listening, offering advice, facilitating support groups, and connecting clients with additional resources. Their work is important in expanding access to mental health and support services for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, basic counseling training, and a strong understanding of ethical guidelines. Familiarity with case management systems and completion of relevant certifications, such as crisis intervention or mental health first aid, are typically expected. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building trust, supporting individuals in distress, and ensuring responsible, effective assistance.

What are some common challenges volunteer counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively navigate these situations?

Volunteer Counselors often work with individuals experiencing intense emotions, trauma, or crisis situations, which can be emotionally demanding and challenging. Navigating boundaries, managing personal stress, and ensuring appropriate referrals when issues exceed their training are critical aspects of the role. Effective Volunteer Counselors regularly participate in supervision, debrief with experienced colleagues, and utilize organizational training and resources to maintain their own well-being while providing quality support. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are essential for long-term success in this field.

What is the difference between Volunteer Counselor vs Professional Counselor?

AspectVolunteer CounselorProfessional Counselor
CredentialsOften no formal certification; may have basic trainingRequires state licensure and advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate)
Work EnvironmentNon-profit organizations, community centers, crisis hotlinesHospitals, private practices, mental health clinics
Employer & IndustryNon-profit, community service, mental health supportHealthcare, mental health, private practice
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles vs paid professionalsCareer development, licensing, qualifications

Volunteer Counselors provide support and guidance without formal licensure, often in community or non-profit settings. Professional Counselors hold advanced degrees and licensure, working in clinical environments. The main difference lies in credentials, scope of practice, and employment settings.

How to be a volunteer counselor?

To become a volunteer counselor, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification in counseling or mental health, demonstrate strong communication and empathy skills, and often undergo background checks. Many organizations require a commitment of a certain number of hours and may provide ongoing supervision or support. Volunteering in this role involves providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to individuals in need within a structured environment.

What is volunteer counseling?

Volunteer counseling involves providing emotional support, guidance, or advice to individuals or groups without monetary compensation. It often requires active listening, empathy, and communication skills, and may involve training or certification depending on the setting. Volunteers typically work in community organizations, mental health programs, or crisis centers to assist those in need.

What qualifications do you need to be a volunteer counselor?

To be a volunteer counselor, individuals typically need relevant training or certification in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Some organizations may require background checks and a minimum age or commitment period. Specific qualifications vary depending on the organization and the type of counseling provided.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Volunteer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Volunteer Counselor job openings:

Volunteer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Counselor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,149 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Residential Counselor FT (68961)

Windsor Mill, MD • On-site

Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolina's (V
See more jobs at Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolina's (Vexternal

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families and the community. Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD by social reformers, Ballington and Maud Booth, we were one of the first of over 30 affiliates of Volunteers of America - one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.
Our founders envisioned a movement dedicated to reaching and uplifting the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged "to go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand". Their declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America's impact on "Helping America's most vulnerable".
Through a dedicated and committed team of more than 850 employees and thousands of volunteers, we provide critical care, support services and hope to thousands of people each year throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. We firmly believe our employees drive the success of the organization. Through our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we endeavor to attract, engage and retain qualified, diverse, compassionate individuals to join our journey and experience a work environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the group homes' Residential Coordinator, but under the clinical supervision of the Rehabilitation Director, the Residential Counselor is responsible for the provision of direct services which promote the ability of clients to participate in appropriate community activities and which contribute to the development and utilization of skills necessary for independent living. Additionally, the Residential Counselor will participate in the assessment of the client's rehabilitation needs and, in the development, implementation and monitoring of the client's individual rehabilitation plan. The Residential Counselor is also responsible for providing crisis services, including intensive support and assistance, and may be required to provide follow-along services to suspended or discharged clients. The Residential Counselor is responsible for driving and/or transporting clients.
The Residential Counselor is also responsible for ensuring that clients develop and utilize skills that contribute to the maintenance of a safe residential environment as well as documenting service delivery. The Residential Counselor may be privileged to provide basic health teaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, dental care, substance abuse prevention, and prevention of injury and illness at home and in the community as well as training in communicable disease prevention.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Participates in the assessment of clients' rehabilitative service needs and, in the development, implementation and monitoring of the individual's rehabilitation plan
  • Coordinates activities and delivers rehabilitation and support services which address individual client goals and objectives contained within the client's rehabilitation plan which are directed toward the development or restoration of independent living skills.
  • Such activities may include the development or restoration of self-care skills including personal hygiene, grooming, menu planning and preparation, socialization skills, independent living skills, including the maintenance of the individual's living environment, community awareness, mobility skills and/or money management.
  • The Residential Counselor may be privileged to provide health teaching and prevention of communicable diseases.
  • Provides basic supervision in home-like environments for individuals with varying levels of mental illness.
  • Coordinates activities which promote community integration.
  • Communicates with program staff regarding client progress.
  • Documents service delivery and prepares daily billing statements as directed.
  • As needed, and when privileged, monitors client self-administration of prescribed medication, provides for safe storage of medications and monitors client reaction to medication, taking appropriate action when necessary. May also provide reinforcing education on the role and effects of medication in symptom management.
  • As needed, and when privileged, provides basic health teaching in areas including nutrition, exercise, dental care, substance abuse prevention, prevention of injury and illness at home and in the community, and the prevention of communicable disease; including the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and blood borne pathogens including, HIV/AIDS.
  • Ensures assigned vehicles are maintained appropriately.
  • Collects and records data as required. Monitor resident and program documentation.
  • Participates in discharge planning and the provision of follow-along services when appropriate.
  • Attends staff meetings, training, house and program meetings as required.
  • Ensures client and program compliance with VOAC policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for maintaining homes inspection ready and reporting problems to the Residential Coordinator.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
  • The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself and/or equipment as necessary
  • The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, sit, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities and operate office equipment.
  • Move and lift objects up to 30 pounds such as computers, monitors, files, etc.
  • Operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
  • The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:
  • Services will be provided which address clients' rehabilitative service needs.
  • Clients will participate safely and more independently in activities of community life.
  • Provide supervision for residents to maintain community placements and reduce hospitalizations.
  • VOAC policies and procedures will be implemented and programmatic requirements will be met.
  • Maintain close communication with the coordinator staff and other house counselors.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
REQUIREMENTS
  • High School Diploma or GED plus must have at least two years of experience working in a mental health residential setting and/or social service related field. This may include some related post high school education.
  • A Bachelor's Degree in related field or Registered Nurse licensure with at least 1 year experience providing rehabilitative services or working with persons with chronic mental illness is preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast healthcare environment
  • Experience with Microsoft Suite (Power-point, Excel, Word etc.)
  • Bilingual in any language a plus

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